Week 2 - Lots of Visitors!

Gil is now a whopping two weeks. My how they grow old so fast! Week 2 was a busy one. We were lucky to have both friends and family visit.

Tim, Jen and their daughter, Kathryn, stopped by for a visit and some time with Gil.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, Kristen's mom (Taya) came in town for a few days to help Kristen settle in - and selfishly get time with her grandson!












Then, we were visited by Kristen's family and the battle for sharing Gil during their stunted time was fun to watch!

Looking to avoid cabin fever during Kristen's first week at home, we ventured out as well including a fun-infused birthday party for our friends - the Niepomnik's - daughter (1st birthday).

They rented out a gymnastic studio and let the kids run loose among the foam pit, trampolines, and other apparatus. I had to be reminded that the equipment was for the kids as I was enjoying jumping into the foam pit!

Hollow Man

That is how I feel today. For the first time, I'm tired. Gil is still sleeping great through the night, but the consistent evenings of scheduled interrupted sleep have finally caught up with me.

Nietzsche said "Even the strongest have their moments of fatigue. Well, I'm fatigued!

Sitting at my desk, find myself wishing to be at home...with family! Add that it is Friday. Who really wants to be at work on a Friday?

So, what's a guy to do? Power through it, right?

Grandma is in the House!

One day into caring for Gil by herself and Kristen is already signalling the bullpen! Just kidding. Kristen's mom, Taya, is in town this week for a few days to get some 'Gil time' and help Kristen transition to flying solo during the weekdays.

Did I mention Taya brought steaks? Yes, juicy, thick fillets! Now that is how you win over my heart. Red meat! But seriously, it is nice to have her in town. Allows Kristen to grab some much needed shut eye during the day and have someone around for conversation while Taya gets to spend time with her grandson. Seems like a good deal, yes!

Day three of 'back to work' and all is well. I do find myself stealing away a few times a day to look at pictures I have of the little guy on my computer. Makes the day go by quicker knowing he's waiting for me (granted he's complete oblivious at this point) to come home.

Those of you with kids probably noticed this too, but I'm acutely aware of the small, subtle changes taking place with Gil. His facial expressions are increasing as is his strength. Everyday he seems to be developing muscle strength to hold his head up and my current favorite grip my finger and hold on tightly. As for his legs, he's definitely a kicker! Loves to flail those things around. Cracked me a few times in the process.

Like Father, Like Son

Why wear clothes around the house, when you can be NAKED instead! Here's Gil enjoying a little 'be free' time.

Today I'm back to work. Doesn't feel as strange as I expected. More like I've returned from a long vacation. I feel rested and relaxed. Got back into my normal routine by going to the gym in the morning and then preparing for my day as if nothing had changed. But oh has it!

While at the gym, I kept looking at the clock budgeting time so I could snuggle with Gil before having to prepare for work. And was it great. Dark (thanks to the change in Daylight Savings Time), warm, and him sleeping, we just rocked in the chair for a good 15 minutes. Pure bliss!

As I write this post, Gil and I are hanging watching college football. I enjoyed watching my favorite team - Ohio State - dismantle my dad's alma mater - Wisconsin. The Michigan/Michigan State game just started and my wife - a MSU graduate - is showing her support by taking a nap.

So, it is just 'the guys' right now; bonding. We are in simpatico - a routine of sleeping, pooping, and changing of drawers (well, except me that is. I've evolved enough to find the 'john'.

I must admit since his arrival I've watched more college football in the last two weekends than I've seen all year! Definitely an unforeseen benefit!

Team Johnson continues to enjoy our week together. We've made an effort to get out each day, whether for a walk or a car trip to accomplish even the most menial of tasks. Gil, so far, has proven to be a great car rider. Either sleeping the entire trip or just sitting all cozy in his car seat waiting. For what, who knows!

The included photo is of his first use of the car seat. Not exactly a 'happy to be here' look on his face, but he was quite content on his first walk around the West Loop.

And for good measure, here's a picture of Mommy and son enjoying a little 'tummy time'.

What a Difference One Week Makes

This time last week we were in the final stages of preparing for Gilbert's arrival. Thursday was spent doing those things that most expectant couples do - last clean sweep of the house, confirm the bag is packed with all the necessities, track the contractions, etc. As I write this, exactly one week ago to the hour we were settling in to the Labor & Delivery room. What a difference a week makes!

And how the time goes by! Attempting to not think about it, but the arrival of Monday sits ominously in the back of my mind wondering how I'll be able to return to work, and actually work. But like a cold shower it comes to me, THE PAYCHECK! Duh.

On to better things...

Tonight was the first session of...TUMMY TIME! What fun. Gil bellied right up (sorry, couldn't resist the pun) to the task by curling his legs under himself and proceeding to fall asleep! After some cajoling, Gil warmed up, er, woke up and exceeded expectations. It only took a few minutes before he rattled off about 20 pushups! Then again, he has the support of his own personal trainer (see photo).

The joy he brings to our home is overwhelming. Kristen and I battle to hold him and just stare at the little guy, whether he's asleep or simply staring back with those deep, blue eyes. Truly amazing. But hey, as parents (whew, that is a scary word) you know what I'm talking about.

Gil's First Halloween

Mom just couldn't resist. Gil's not a week old and she's already dressing him in ridiculous clothes! Check out some of his wares for Halloween.












Today was a busy day with Gil's first doctor's appointment. Quite enjoyable seeing all the kids coming through dressed in their Halloween clothes. Another couple had their newborn (only a few days before us) in for the first time too. Their second child, they seemed like the steely veterans we hope to be.

The appointment went well. He's packing back on the weight typically lost after birth. And to top it all off he peed on the doctor.

Hey! That's what you get when you strip him down and start jostling around his sensitive junk! Dad was proud!

Day of Firsts

So, Day 3 in the Johnson homestead. Gilbert, Kristen and myself are adjusting nicely. We've had a few bumps along the way, but Team Johnson is persevering!

Gilbert has had a bit of reflux - mainly in the evening - but Kristen quickly adjusted his feeding and now Gilbert is doing better. The nights have been fun. We have a 'Moses Basket' - basically a little portable wicker basket designed for newbies. Our plan was to have him sleep in it and be in our room. He's slept between us on the bed both nights. We just can't get enough of him!

The beginning of many firsts - yesterday we took him out for his 'first' stroll around the block. He's a natural behind the wheel of the car! If he could only reach the turn signal, though... But seriously, testing out the stroller, it was great to be outside after days of being relegated to the hospital room.

He also had his first 'birdie bath' in preparation for seeing Grandma Taya. She came in for the day to visit Gil and he responded by sleeping the entire time!

Exclusive! Pictures of Gilbert!

Unfortunately, People Magazine wasn't buying the exclusive rights to the Baby J birthing or his first photos (like Kristen would let me sell them anyway!) so for the first time seen by the outside world, herrrrrreeee's Gilbert!

Introducing...

GILBERT MERRILL JOHNSON

Gil was born Friday morning, October 26th at 4:19am. Mom and son are feeling great after a long night and lots of amazing work done by my wife. She is definitely my hero!

Gil weighed 7lb. 9 oz. and was 20 inches long; fully equipped with a full head of hair, beautiful dark blue eyes, a great set of vocal chords, and overflows with life. Well, at least when he's not sleeping! Kristen and I are overwhelmed with joy!

I promise pictures will show up on Sunday once the family is back home!

Oh yeah, for those who followed the clues, you are probably wondering how you can get initials from G and J. Well, the nickname - at least my idea for one - is GM.

The way the little guy is going to run our lives, he's in essence our manager or for those sports fans out there...he's our little "GM" - General Manager!

Thursday's Clue

Here you go. Another clue!

New Clue

Another piece of the name is revealed. Oooh! Aaaah!

Good luck!

Kristen continues to be doing well. Had her latest doc appointment on Tuesday. Had to take a stress test b/c the little guy hasn't been moving as much, or at least seemed to be.

Heartbeat strong, but like his mom he's enjoying the warmth darkness and 24/7 access to food and is being stubborn about giving those things up!

Details...

Just getting this out of the way now as Baby J could arrive anyday!

As you've read in my prior blogs, Northwestern Memorial now has a new women's hospital. Included in this post is a map of the hospital's campus along with the location of Prentice and parking garages.



Here is the information you need:

Visiting
The New Prentice Women's Hospital at Northwestern Memorial Hospital
250 E. Superior

Hospital Operator - (312) 926-2000
Visiting Hours: 9am - 8:30pm

Parking*

Valet : $16 for seven hours or less
Self parking is available in the Huron/St.Clair parking garage, 222 East Huron St.

Discount rates are available for patients and visitors.
$9.00 for seven hours or less
$18.25 for eight to 24 hours


*Parking receipts must be validated at customer service desks located in Feinberg/Galter Pavilions

New Pics of My Niece

Just got these from my sister. Maddie is now 3 1/2 months old. She's mastered the art of 'tummy time'!

She's in full action mode!

Week 39

The countdown continues. Kristen is done working...lucky girl! We continued to take advantage of the beautiful weather and went for a walk along the lakeshore. Extremely windy, it was, but beautiful nonetheless.

For a quiet, no-crowd walk I recommend driving down to either the 31st or 39th Street exit. Parking is available (for free!) and you have instant access to walk along the shoreline with great views of the city skyline when walking north.

The nursery has been complete for some time now, but for what will hopefully be our last weekly update photo we took it together this time.

Excited parents-to-be, we are!

Coersion

With Kristen officially done working for 'the wo-man', it is time to get Baby J out and into the world, I say!

She'd prefer a few days to herself next week, but being the sneaky guy that I am we had a full day of errands planned - that required lots of walking! Sneaky? Yeah right! She saw right through my pathetic attempt to mask the pain of errands knowing my agreement was to attempt to coerce the little guy into starting labor. Then again, jumping up and down like a little kid who wants his way probably tipped her off as well that I want Baby J here. NOW!

I did the start the day right, though, by indulging Kristen in two of her favorite weekend activities...sleeping in followed by breakfast out! We went to Ina's, over on Randolph Street. An upscale eatery, their menu had the typical breakfast items but with flair. Kristen had whole wheat oatmeal pancakes with bananas. I had a four veggie frittata. FRI-TA-TA. I just like saying that. FRI-TA-TA. FRI-TA-TA. FRI-TA-TA.

Oh, sorry. Anyway, after breakfast it was off and out to do errands. Not a lot of fun, especially in city traffic (and with the Buckeyes playing!), but we made short order of our tasks. Kristen has been in an endless search for a floorlamp in the living room. Totally unnecessary, if you ask me. But then again, she never does! Today's venture produced no lamp. AGAIN! But hey, she scored an incredibly sexy nursing bra. Can't wait for her to slink into the bedroom with that on. Grrrrr!

The day was awesome...weather-wise, that is. A bit warm in the sun, the night was cool and windy so we went for a walk along the river and through the downtown. At a pace that might jumpstart delivery. At Kristen's request, THANK YOU VERY MUCH! Back on the couch to watch Michigan beat Illinois, contractions have started. OH YEAH! Sporadic, yes. But they must start somewhere, right?

Stay tuned...

Pre-Game Warmups

Yep, game time is close. Kristen's latest doctor appointment revealed Baby J is in position, lowering, and depending on his mood could come "anytime".

A little early, but quite welcomed!

The bags are packed, the birthing plan complete, food stores aplenty (well, is there ever 'enough food'?), and all that remains is one more cleaning of the house - Kristen's request.

Of course, we're holding out for the new hospital - which goes online 8:31am on Saturday. And who wants to be the first one, right? So, if all goes well, Baby J will emerge next week. Then again, he could get stubborn and hold out. If that appears so, tactics will have to be used to coerce the little guy out. You know...spicy food, a little exercise, or some other form of exertion!

Kristen is doing great. Not uncomfortable, but some contractions are occuring. The kid is so close to the surface, I think I saw him smile last night! On the flip side, I'm just waiting for him to pull an "Alien" and pop out through her chest!

Doc made the call Baby J will be 8 lbs. 1oz.

What is your guess?

Clue #3

The first letter is revealed!

Sitting, Waiting, Wishing

I'm reminded of that Jack Johnson song. Down to just weeks, if not days we're tiding up loose ends and preparing for Baby J's arrival. This weekend is prep weekend.

Bags are packed, food is being made ahead and frozen, and supplies stocked. I find myself reading and rereading sections of the baby books purchased (and given to us) in hopes of gleaming critical information not yet memorized. I'm sure all of you that have gone through this can remember those last days scrambling thinking you hadn't done enough or read enough or simply aren't prepared.

I don't necessarily feel that way, but knowing the Unexpected is waiting for you (and is doing so with a smile!) is slightly unnerving and incredibly humbling.

So I find myself not sitting watching the belly move, while waiting for the day to arrive wishing it would get here now!

Braxton-Hicks. He's no friend of mine!

Yep, you ladies have been there and you know what I'm talking about. The thrills of false labor in the form of contractions known as Braxton-Hicks.

Kristen has just begun to enjoy this experience. Take last night for example, I'm working on the computer and she's in the other room watching the tele. All of a sudden an "Ooh" breaks the silence. Being the attentive husband that I am, I jump up to find out what's going on.

Was something cool happening on television? Did she slip, fall, etc?

Nope just false labor in the form of a Braxton-Hicks contraction.

After this occurred a few times last night, I find myself already desensitized toward it, much like a car alarm. The false contractions continued this morning. I made the mistake of calling them false contractions and was quickly corrected by Kristen.

"Oh, they're real alright (explicative here)!" she said.

False contractions, false labor. It is all the same, right? Until it is "go time", it is all false to me.

I'm sure that comment will win me points tonight!

Clue #2

Here's clue #2. Parts of the name is revealed in the images.

Let's Play A Game. Guessing Baby J's Name!

I know the suspense is killing you. I've heard all kinds of names and theories of what Baby J's name will be. This would be easy for all of you if you could accept a Patrick Jr., but no the masses have spoken (not to mention Kristen vetoed it!).

Like all of you with kids, we wrangled, wrestled, and worried over the selection of his name. Will it stand up to the teasing of playground bullies (like P.E. will even be in existence by the time he's in school)?

Would it sound good on television as he sinks a putt to win the Masters, or on the evening news as he runs for the Senate?

Of course, with his last name, we had to make sure it would stand up to the tabloid test as well! Dustin, nope? Who wants a Dusty Johnson. Rusty, well, no need to explain that one. Maybe Harrison. Uh, nope there either!

But alas, a name has been chosen. A secret it is, but perhaps to some of you, it may be revealed in the clues that will follow in weeks to come.

To get the party started, included in this post is a picture of Baby J's crib, literally. Now complete, his name hangs above his future place of domicile.

So, let the games begin. Here's your first clue. He will have a nickname of two letters, just like his daddy.

The Hunt for October Pumpkin

This post is a week late. My bad. Last weekend, Kristen and I headed out to the old 'hood of West Chicago to hang with our friends Tim, Jen, and their daughter Kathryn. Across from their neighborhood is a working Farm called Sonny Acres.

Well, come Fall, they celebrate the annual harvest with rides and entertainment for kids as well as making available for sale an assortment from their harvest - gourds, pumpkins, corn, etc.

In the market for a pumpkin and a last opportunity to visit friends before going into 'baby jail', we planned a Sunday morning visit (had to get back to the house for the abysmal showing called Bears football).

The day was gorgeous and Kathryn had a blast playing in the corn maze with Mom, riding a pony, and doing a sack ride on a slide with Dad. Kristen and I found time for a little fun as well!

36 Weeks

Here's the latest photo of Kristen. This was from earlier in the week (the start of the 36th week). Kristen continues to do well, but she is definitely slowing down and her new center of gravity makes general mobility a challenge at times!

What is rBGH? And how do you and your child avoid it?

rBGH - Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone - is commonly used in milk producing cows to increase their overall milk production. However, the use of rBGH has been deemed controversial as studies have shown the effects of its use on both the cow and those who drink milk with this growth hormone.

Not to dive into too much detail, but basically rBGH increases the risk of some types of cancer in humans and has an affect on the cow which results in the need for antibiotics. As a result, human consumption of milk with antibiotics can lead to a greater level of antibiotic resistance and make it harder for doctors to provide treatment to you - or your child - when becoming sick.

So, want to avoid buying milk with the hormone? Simply pay closer attention to the packaging. Chances are your milk is already free of the stuff. When Kristen became pregnant, I went on a mission to find milk free of antibiotics and hormones.

To my surprise the milk at Costco touts being free of both! Quite a relief when I thought we'd be forking out more cash for the "organic" milk!

By the way, the frozen chicken breasts from Perdue carried at Costco are free of antibiotics and hormones as well.

Just a tip from your friendly neighborhood research junkie!

Sling Baby

Like most first-time parents, we've absorbed our share of baby books. During our read of The Baby Book (thanks, Em!), we were intrigued by the book's approach to parenting. Particularly, their approach coined as 'attachment' parenting. Basically, the premise is the child goes with you as part of you.

For this to work, the parent has the baby on them most of the time. Most cultures 'sling' their child and do their daily tasks as if nothing has changed. We both have active lifestyles, so this method seems appealing.

A relatively new concept in the Western world, actually the practice of slinging a baby has been in use for quite some time. So, we spent Saturday in search of a sling. Kristen had read about a baby store in Roscoe Village - Be By Baby - that specializes in slings. The store is quite progressive and immediately appealed to us. I highly recommend visiting their website or if you are in the city, stop by.

In the store, we witnessed other expecting parents practicing 'slinging' and waited our turn. While waiting, we perused and the store has some cool clothing, toys, and miscellaneous items. The hardest part is refraining from buying everything at once!

After a few minutes, we were helped by an incredibly nice worker - Megan - who has a 14 month old daughter of her own. Anyway, she showed us the different type of slings and we quickly settled on the Hotsling. The store has baby dummies that are weighted like a real child - flopping head, etc. - and we each tested the sling. Luckily for us, we both fit into the same size. And I was even able to get Kristen to settle on a style that was neutral enough for me to wear. Saving Dad some big money.

So we celebrated by visiting our favorite bakery - conveniently located just down the street! - called Dinkel's. Arguably the best bakery in the city!

The sling is now home, but we have nothing to put in it! Give it five weeks.

PJ's Man Shower

I work with a lot of women. All of whom are great to work with. They (along with the few men in my group) surprised me on Friday with a man shower. Okay, so the gifts were for Baby J, but hey he's a man-in-training, right?

Besides, saying I had a 'baby shower' just doesn't seem right!

Anyway, the group was incredibly gracious! And Baby J scored some cool items. Especially a Bumbo! Special shout out to Toni for organizing the whole thing.

THANK YOU!



I tell people the best thing about where I work is the people. Friday affirmed that.

All's Quiet. Too Quiet!

Now that the heavy lifting is done, Kristen and I are in 'hurry up and wait mode'. Anybody felt this way?

The nursery is complete sans hanging Baby J' s name with fun alphabet cards that spell out his first name. Maybe one last trip to Babies'R'Us to stock up on a few items, and a few odds and ends. That is about it.

Otherwise, we feel as if all is ready. But is anyone truly prepared?

I've been telling friends that I'm ready and I'd rather just get it started now. Nothing is worse than waiting, I feel. However, the sage advice has been 'to enjoy these last days' because it will change...FOREVER!

Heeding such worldly knowledge, I'm going to cram as many movies, beer drinking, sports watching as possible! For Kristen, I think she'd just be happy with a few nights of uninterrupted sleep!

If anyone reading this has some advice worth sharing on how to spend the remaining weeks, please post! Would love to hear from you!

Kristen's Last Road Trip

Five weeks from today. Just over a month left until Baby J arrives! Kristen received the green light for her last trip abroad so we headed to the megaopolis that is Indianapolis to see our friends the Schmidt's.

Many of you know Brent and Mindi (along with their clan of Brady and Carter). For Kristen it was an opportunity to hang with her lifelong friend (neighbors back in Niles, MI since they were in diapers, basically) and for me to play golf with Brent and a few other friends Andy Kelley (AK) and Tom Marcinko (Cinker).

We played in a charity golf outing benefit ting Tuberous Sclerosis (TS) - which Carter was diagnosed with at birth. Additionally, it was the first time I've played golf since the knee surgery and to play with my new golf clubs. The weekend promised to be fun...and it delivered.

You know the weekend was fabulous. Summer in September. Heavily favored to win the golf outing, we tanked. 8 under after our first nine holes we decided to forget how to hit 100 yard wedges and was only 4 under for the remainder of the way and ended up taking 2nd place. Quite deflating!

However, we had some highlights, AK flew his drive 320-ish over a creek to just miss driving the green, only to have Brent chip in for an eagle 2. That nugget earned us a skin!

After shaking the rust, I drove the ball well and just missed driving a par 4 as well. Regardless of the outcome, we all had a great time. That night I was subjected to watching Purdue (all the guys went to school at PU) play Minnesota, but hey, it beat the alternative...having a kumbaya at home with the ladies on parenting!

I'd tell you what Kristen and Mindi talked about, but it was so enthralling I fell asleep.

But seriously, we had a great time and the Schmidt's were great hosts...as always. We enjoyed hanging with my Indy friends and look forward to seeing them all again soon!

Hospital Visit

No, nothing serious. We attended an Infant CPR training class last night. Glad we attended.

Covering more than just CPR, the class provided information on car seat installation, SIDS, choking, and other topics that knowing about is important, but hopefully action is never required.

We practiced CPR on baby and child dummies. Not to make light of a serious topic, but our first attempts were a bit amusing. Kristen couldn't get the air into the infant's lungs (more of a dummy defect than her inability) and when I performed the 'pushes' I drove my fingers through the dummy's body all the way into the table eliciting a 'not so hard' comment from the nurse. Oops.

The most amusing part of the class was at the begining, when the five couples in the class were asked to state their names and due date. With the new hospital coming on-line the 20th of October, the nurse wanted to make sure those that would be in the new facility were invited to the Open House coming up. A traditional case of the haves vs. the have nots, seeing the deflating look on the couples' faces of those who said their due dates were prior to the 20th was saddening. One couple is due on the 20th, but is being induced early in the old facility. The soon-to-be dad was not happy about that one!

Oh yeah, Kristen had her bi-weekly visit to the doctor. Baby J, despite all his movements, is head down and growing as scheduled. The doctor doesn't expect an early delivery, so Baby J may be a November delivery!

Warning Signs

That is what I expected to see. A tree branch here, a pile of twigs there. I'd read about it in books and witnessed countless birds and other aviary creatures do it. So I was looking for the signs, but they never arrived.

Then, without warning it arrived on Friday. Kristen was in NESTING mode! No sooner had I dropped the computer bag, she rifled off a list of things to do in the condo. New rug here, light fixture there. Being the tough guy that I am, I recoiled in fear, curled up in the corner and hoped to wait out the storm yearning for my wife to return. NO SUCH LUCK!

But seriously, Kristen was in prime nesting mode. What a sight to witness. She took charge. Felt like one of her day laborers on a design job! So last weekend we hung pictures and new drapery, purchased a new sofa, tidied up the nursery, switched from summer to autumn in the condo's theme (my involvement was to simply get the boxes to and from storage with all the seasonal 'stuff') and rearranged items throughout the condo all in preparation for Baby J. I'm sure when we bring him home he'll comment on plushness of the new sofa and appreciate our taste in abstract art.

The nesting tornado departed on Sunday, just in time for the Bears game, thankfully!

(K)Night Errand

Well, Kristen finally caved. With only six weeks left until 'go time', she succumbed to her craving urge and sent me out in quest of food.

My kudos to her. She's been great fighting her urges. We've had a few close calls, but I've been successful in talking her down from the cliff. However, last night there was no fighting it!

Of course, the timing stunk. We had just settled down to watch a movie (Breach, by the way, and worth watching). Having just completed dinner, where she had given in to another craving for pizza and brought home a wild mushroom pie (from one of those new, speciality pizza stores where you buy cold and cook at home), she was wracked with the urge for peanut M&M's.

After a simple 'Are you sure?' response, I could tell there was no fighting it. I strapped on the tennies and hoofed it to the Dirty Bird. The effort was monumental having to traverse a full city block to get to the White Hen on the opposite corner. I was parched from the experience.

Not to shortchange my wife, I purchased to 'tear and share' size bag (new marketing ploy to make you feel better about buying it instead of reading "king size" on the label even though the package is still meant for a single consumption).

As a witness to the crime, I can vouch for the tearing of the bag, but there was not a whole lot of sharing!

Urge satisfied, it was back to the movie...

Grand Hopening

It is official. Northwestern Memorial has released press the new Prentiss Women's Hospital will be operational to handle Baby J's grand entrance!

In an earlier post, I talked about the hospital and its amenities. Well, all are still true. For those that might consider visiting us, the hospital has launched a new interactive, website with all the vital information. Of course, closer to the date, I'll post maps and parking options for everyone.

For those of you who fancy yourself lovers of architecture, the site is worth visiting. It touts all the eco-friendly and green elements incorporated into the buildings overall design. Neat stuff!

Kristen's Oprah Experience

Kristen, and her good friend Emily, attended a taping of the Oprah Winfrey Show today. The segment was a contentious one - the publishing of O.J.'s book on the murder of his wife and Ronald Goldman.

The segment was scheduled prior to all the recent activity of the Goldman's gaining ownership and power to publish the book. So, no need to focus on that. Instead, it is the experience that Kristen found interesting.

Basically, Kristen got to the show courtesy of Emily. She responded to some questionnaire or submitted a question to the show regarding the segment. Emily was selected to appear - and ask the question - on the show! The perk...she got to bring a guest! Lucky for Kristen, our condo is in the same 'hood as Oprah's studio.

Well, pregnancy apparently does have its benefits. They got to jump the line, were first to the seat, first to use the bathroom after the show and received complimentary water. As for Emily, she got the star treatment. Whisked to the green room for hair and makeup, she was suppose to appear on camera. Unfortunately, questions from the audience were cancelled due to the subject. Kristen mentioned Oprah was conflicted from the start regarding the show and on the heels of an emotional 9/11 taping, the format was changed.

However, they sat second row behind Marcia Clark and Christopher Darden, so set your DVR for Thursday's airing to catch these two ladies on Oprah!

7 Weeks Remaining!

If Baby J cooperates, seven weeks from today should be 'go-time'! Here's the latest pics of Kristen - at 33 weeks.

The nursery is near completion! As you read in an earlier post, I tackled the task of building the dresser/changing table.

All that remains are the 'finishes', and yes, Kristen will not be including me in those decisions!

Niki in the Garden

An exhibit currently at the Garfield Park Conservatory just west of the city, Kristen and I have had this on our list to do before Baby J arrived. Partnered with our friend Emily and her two kids - Campbell and Taggart (Kristen's godson) - we explored the exhibit and the grounds of the conservatory today.

Couldn't have asked for a better day! Sunny, temperate, and lacking the typical Chicago humidity. I guess summer truly does end with Labor Day!

A little information about the exhibit...Niki in the Garden features more than 30 extraordinarily colorful and whimsical outdoor sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle. French-born, New York-raised Niki (1930–2002), a passionately imaginative and self-taught artist, gained international fame in the 1960s as a New Realist artist. In 2000, de Saint Phalle was awarded the acclaimed 12th Premium Imperial Prize in sculpture.

Her imagination is clearly evident by the beauty, artistry, and truly whimsical sculptures. Bejeweled with mosaics, stones, glass, mirrors and semi-precious materials, the pieces displayed include animals, mythical figures, sports and music heroes, and of course, Nanas.

Okay, back to the adventure...

The sculptures are dispersed throughout the conservatory. Some melded with the existing plant life while many others placed outside in the park's large outdoor space. The excursion was as much for the kids as it was for Emily and Kristen to talk about pregnancy topics, impending motherhood, and for me to do what I do best...act like a kid and entertain Taggart!

Not much more to report other than the day was fun and culminated with a small picnic afterwards. A few hours later we'd thoroughly exhausted Taggart, enjoyed each others company and still had most of the day to spend...shopping for a new sofa. I'm tingling all over from that adventure, but I'll spare you the gory details!

Exercising Your Child

I couldn't resist. I Googled 'exercises' and 'new born babies' and this is what came up...

• How Stuff Works - Exercises for Newborns - 3 year olds
• Third Age - Exercises for Babies and Toddlers
• Baby Fit - And for the Mom!
• It's a Mom World - Baby Exercises: A Fitting Thing To Do

This is just a smattering of the volumes of information on the internet. Of course, who needs direction, instruction or guidance. Just give the kid a shiny object and let them wander aimlessly. All will work out in the end, right?

Babymoon, Part II

Day 2. Today we set off to satisfy Kristen's unquenchable desire for breakfast out. Needing to pick up the recently shipped baby dresser/changing table from her office, we trekked out to Hinsdale.

Craving 'something sweet', Kristen went with the reliable - french toast. But no! Not just regular 'ole french toast, she upgraded to Banana Nut Bread French Toast. Ooh. Aah. I had a bite and felt like I ate a sugar cube. Almost went into hyperglycemic shock!

After picking up the dresser (frickin' heavy btw - now wonder it cost a C-note to ship!) we headed back to the city for our main excursion of the day...experiencing the Cool Globes project on the lakefront in front of the Museum Campus and Navy Pier.

Cool Globes is a project sponsored by Exelon (known locally as the parent company of ComEd) and hosted by the City of Chicago. Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Plant is "an innovative public art project of 124 extraordinary globes designed to create awareness and inspire practical solutions to global warming. Solutions that we can put into practice every day...at home, on the job and in school."

The globes address all of the hot topics regarding our planet - recycling, reuse of materials, landfills, green building, alternative and clean forms of energy, water use, and the list goes on. 124 times. Some of the globes seemed redundant, but each artist provided a creative design on their globe.

I was pleasantly surprised to find my employer sponsored a globe (see pic to the left) on water efficiency. Did you know a slow, leaky faucet can waste up to 20 gallons of water a year?

It was a beautiful, warm day. Could have walked all day, but Kristen received a hot tip that Carter's was having a HUGE sale on baby clothes and we MUST check it out and stock up in the areas where we still need clothes. How do we know what we need? The kid hasn't even been born yet! Luckily our time in Carter's was short and I must admit we did procure some cool stuff for Baby J.

To complete the Babymoon, my job was to build the dresser/changing table. After almost pulling a hernia getting the box into the condo, the assembly began. An hour or so later, the table was finished, replete with all the space needed to ensure Baby J has adequate storage for stuff he's completely ambivalent to!

And thus Babymoon came to an end! Can't wait to do it again. Really! Seriously! Why doesn't anyone believe me...

Braggin' on my Niece

How stinkin' cute (to borrow the phrase from Suzanne) is my niece?

Got these pics recently from my sister. Just had to share!

Babymoon, Part I

Ahh, the babymoon has arrived. After negotiations - tense at times - regarding the festivities, we settled on our 'moon (just kidding, we enjoyed picking the activities). The weather was amazing over the Labor Day weekend, and we took advantage of it by being outdoors most of the weekend.

Day 1 - Kristen has always wanted to visit the Chicago Botanical Garden. That was our destination Saturday morning. We laced up our walking shoes and headed north to Glencoe and the 385 acres of display gardens and native habitats situated between nine lakes. We particularly enjoyed the new Japanese garden and the Fruits & Vegetable Garden.

After a full day of walking, soon-to-be momma was in dire need of some food and a good nap! We headed back home meandering down Sheridan Road enjoying the beautiful (and quite large!) homes along the lakeshore.

We planned a nice evening out at a new restaurant called West Town Tavern. Definitely not a tavern, the restaurant was fantastic - the food, dining experience, presentation of the food (always important to the designer!). Kristen was jonesing for some seafood and settled for the diver scallops on a bed of very creamy risotto. For me, the sauted trout over a medley of veggies. Oh yeah, plugging for my friend Nancy who works at Goose Island, I partook in the seasonal beer available - Demolition. At 8.0% ABV, it is easy to discern how the beer gets its name! And Kristen took Emily's advice saving room for dessert - ice cream and cookies. She would have licked to bowl if we were at home. Wait, I'm the one that does that!

So, Day 1 of Babymoon was complete and was enjoyable. Ask the Little Guy if he had fun, and I'm sure he did if all his rolling and movement was any indication. Oh yeah, it looks like 'the wave' is taking place in there. How cool!

What's a Babymoon?

Babymoon. Another day, er event, cooked up from your friends at Hallmark. Ranks right up there with Sweetest Day! A few months ago Kristen mentioned how we needed to begin planning 'our Babymoon'. "Baby what?" was my response. I had to look it up.

Here's the scoop...

It's a new trend, common among first-time-parents-to-be, who see it as one of the last vacations they'll take before "baby makes three." Originally, the term "babymoon," was coined by British author and childbirth educator Sheila Kitzinger, who defines it as the important time a family spends together alone during a baby's first few days of life.

However, the travel industry saw it as an opportunity to make a buck, and turned a sincere idea into a cottage industry. With more than 6 million births annually in the United States, money is to be made!

Nowadays, you can find 'babymoon packages' at your more posh hotels, spas, and resorts where staff pampers the soon-to-be parents with love and care. Well, I did some research into these packages, didn't see much pampering for the guy; manicures, pedicures, massages, facials, and bed in breakfast. You want to pamper to me? Get me a round of golf on a course I can't get on. With a caddie. And a playing partner named Tiger Woods. Facials? C'mon!

So, the planning started for our babymoon. I went to Google and typed in 'babymoon Chicago'. There's a freakin' website called babymoonfinder.com. No shit! You can search babymoon events, packages, deals, etc. by state. I quickly abandoned my search.

Instead we settled on a nice weekend in the city. Cell phones off. Computer off. Television off! And we had a wonderful time. Read about it in another post.

Baby J's Baby Shower

Most of you who read this post were present for the baby shower last weekend. First, sorry for this late post. But, Kristen and I just want to say 'Thank You!" to all of you who attended of course to the hosts. What a great party!

I'm paraphrasing, but it has been said, that the richness of one's life can be measured by the hospitality of friends. If so, we are indeed among some of the richest people in the world.

Not to rehash the day, but it what a fun time! The gifts and thought put into them all were amazing. Especially the idea of each person providing a book with a customized book mark. Now we have instant memories of every book received from the shower!

And thanks to Emily for the creative invitations (and the golf theme, but of course!), Suzanne for the lavish setting at her home, and Jen for the cool party favors.

But what about the FOOD! And the DESSERTS! And the BEVERAGES! Unbelievable! And a special shout out to Chico's mom for the fantastic fudge! I had to get to the shower early just to guarantee I could get my share!

So, again, thank you to everyone for a fantastic day. Truly unforgettable.